As a life-long Kobe fan, it's always been hard to like LeBron on the court as well. You almost just have to pick a side and stick to it right? That's exactly what I thought. I have been rooting against LeBron James for years - because he is THAT good. He single handedly led the Cavs to the finals before his stint in Miami. He won two titles in Miami and then another one in Cleveland - now only 2 behind Kobe. Despite all this, I need to give credit where credit is due. LeBron is a physical phenomenon on the basketball court. He has unbelievable talent and is extremely entertaining to watch.

LeBron is also an unbelievable man off the court. He's a loyal husband, an amazing father, never in trouble with the law - he's a flat out role model to millions of people around the world. It's easy to not be a fan of what he can do on the court against your favorite team, but's it's hard not to be a fan of what he's accomplished as a person.

Here's 7 LeBron James quotes from the king himself:

"Every night on the court I give my all, and if I'm not giving 100 percent, I criticize myself."

- LeBron James

"Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today."

- LeBron James

"You can’t be afraid to fail. It’s the only way you succeed. You’re not gonna succeed all the time and I know that."

- LeBron James

"I treated it like every day was my last day with a basketball."

- LeBron James

"I think the reason why I am who I am today is because I went through those tough times when I was younger."

There’s that moment every morning when you look in the mirror: Are you committed, or are you not?"

- LeBron James

"Once you become a professional athlete or once you do anything well, then you’re automatically a role model… I have no problem being a role model, I love it. I have kids looking up to me and hopefully I inspire these kids to do good things."